Song of the Day #1823

Song of the Day: Stuffy Turkey, composed by jazz pianist Thelonious Monk is actually an extension of saxophonist Coleman Hawkins‘s composition, “Stuffy” [YouTube link]. As a paean to Hawk, it is a standout track from Monk’s sixth album, “It’s Monk’s Time.” The album features Charlie Rouse on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Ben Riley on drums. The title may not please the vegans among us, but it is a jazz nod to today’s Thanksgiving holiday. To say that 2020 has been a year of challenges and heartache is an understatement of unfathomable proportions. I acknowledge the feelings of loss and grief that have dominated this year and my heart goes out to so many folks who have shared in these struggles. But speaking for myself, I can only say that I count my blessings that I am here to feel weary, to feel apprehensive, to feel loss, to feel grief—and to feel that with life, all things remain possible. On that “note,” I wish my friends and family a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. Swing on Monk [YouTube link].